Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Set of 4 19th C. French Patinated Bronze Marble Mounted Busts of Philosophers

About the Item

A Set of Four 19th Century French Patinated Bronze Marble Mounted Busts of Philosophers. The stunning patina adorning each bust accentuates the intricate facial expressions, breathing life into the features of these esteemed scholars and philosophers. Resting upon gracefully curved bronze pedestals that are then placed upon the gorgeous black cylindrical marble pedestals, with their fine grey even mottling, they exude an aura of timeless grandeur and refinement. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the lifelike depiction of hair, wrinkles, and frown lines to the expressive eyes that seem to hold a universe of knowledge within their depths. Among this distinguished collection, you will find the likeness of Gottfried Wilhelm (von) Leibniz, the German polymath and philosopher whose contributions to mathematics and philosophy have left an indelible mark on history. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, renowned as one of the greatest intellectual figures of Western civilization, is also honored in this ensemble. The wit and critical thinking of Voltaire, one of the leading writers of the Enlightenment era, shine through in his representation. And finally, the visionary Pythagoras of Samos, whose mathematical and philosophical insights continue to shape our understanding of the world, completes this esteemed quartet. France, Circa: 1850
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Diameter: 3 in (7.62 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 4
  • Style:
    Louis XVI (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1850
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU919532502652
More From This SellerView All
  • French 19th C Gilt and Patinated Bronze Group of Gloria Victis, by A. Mercie
    By F. Barbedienne Foundry, Antonin Mercie
    Located in New York, NY
    An Incredible and Large Gilt and Patinated Bronze Group of Gloria Victis, a Winged Figure of Victory with a Fallen Warrior. This incredible bronze piece was cast after a model by Maarius-Jean-Antonin Mercié, This model is signed 'F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR PARIS' demonstrating that it was cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne's foundry, the best bronzier of the 19th century. The base is further signed 'A. Mercie' and stamped 'Réduction Mécanique' with an inscription of '659'. The figure is mounted on a Belgian noir marble base with various stepped edges. Gloria Victis is one the most well-known and important bronze casts of the 19th Century. The quality of this particular model is absolutely incredible and all the marking indicate that this particular piece is one of the finest produced by the Foundry. A student of Jouffroy and de Falguière at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié (1845-1916) won the Grand Prix de Rome at 23 years old with his work Thésée vainqueur du Minotaure. In 1872, he sent the plaster model of his work David vainqueur to the Salon, for which he won the first class medal. At the same time, he received La croix de la Légion d'honneur at the Villa Medici. His return to Paris, in 1874, issued in a long and brilliant career with numerous commissions, notably the monuments for Louis-Philippe and Queen Marie-Amélie for the Royal Chapel at Dreux (1886). By the age of 30 Mercié was already very well-known and his Gloria Victis received resounding success when it was exhibited at the Salon, in 1874 (in plaster) and in 1875 (in bronze). This work exalted the heroism and the patriotic sentiments aroused by the disasters of 1870. His predilection for patriotic subjects is shown in many of his works such as Quand même...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Busts

    Materials

    Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

  • Pair French 19th Century Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Dogs on Green Marble Bases
    Located in New York, NY
    A Beautiful Pair of Italian 19th Century Grand Tour Patinated Bronze Dogs on Green Marble Bases. Each dog is beautifully cast, hand-chassed, and hand-chiseled. They are life-like in ...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Grand Tour Animal Sculptures

    Materials

    Marble, Bronze

  • Pair of French Early 19th C. Patinated and Dore Bronze Egyptian Revival Chenets
    Located in New York, NY
    This pair of French chenets from the Early 1800s is a stunning example of Egyptian Revival design. The chenets feature a stately dark patina bronze sphynx body on top of a decorated ...
    Category

    Antique 1820s French Empire Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Bronze

  • 18th-19th Century Neoclassical Multi-Marble Bust of Roman Emperor Titus Domitian
    Located in New York, NY
    A striking late 18th-early 19th century bust of the Roman Emperor Titus Domitian. The head is made from hand carved white Carrara marble, the tunic and t...
    Category

    Antique Late 18th Century Italian Classical Roman Busts

    Materials

    Alabaster, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble

  • 19th Century Italian Ormolu Mounted Multi-Marble Julius Caesar Coliseum Model
    Located in New York, NY
    A 19th Century Italian Ormolu Mounted Multi-Marble Julius Caesar Coliseum Model. This is a beautiful rendition of a Roman coliseum with a dore bronze mounted Julius Caesar standing in the middle of the marble masterpiece. The domed top is made up of multiple marble species including verde marble, carrara marble, and rough marble...
    Category

    Antique 1860s Italian Classical Roman Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Marble, Carrara Marble, Siena Marble, Bronze

  • French Orientalist Silvered Bronze Group of "The Falconer", P.J. Mene 19th C.
    By P.J. Mêne
    Located in New York, NY
    A French 19th century Silvered Bronze Group of "The Falconer", Signed P.J. Mene. This silvered bronze depicts an Arab falconer on horseback, signed P.J. M...
    Category

    Antique 1850s French Other Animal Sculptures

    Materials

    Bronze

You May Also Like
  • French Patinated Bronzes of Philosophers
    Located in London, GB
    A most unusual pair of bronzes of the philosophers and authors Voltaire ( 1694-1778) and Rousseau (1712-1778). Each is seen sitting full length and in chairs. They are set on rectang...
    Category

    Antique 1820s French Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Bronze

  • 19th Century French Patinated Bronze Bust of a Soldier
    By Paul Dubois
    Located in Dallas, TX
    Cast in France during the 1800s, this patinated bronze bust depicts a woman soldier, based on the style of hair and the ceremonial accoutrement on the armor cuirass. Our stoic soldier has a four-petal flower adorning the breastplate (to the viewer’s left of the artist’s signature-Dubois). On each side of the flower is a dangling strap for the helmet that protects the heroine. At the top of the helmet is a mythical creature, resembling a dragon with a long three-prong tail, with the outer two tendrils curling along the sides of the helmet. A thick bun protrudes from the back of the open cabasset-style helmet. The style of the helmet is reminiscent of the 19th century Paul Dubois bronze...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Busts

    Materials

    Metal, Bronze

  • Italian 19th Century Patinated Bronze and Marble Bust
    Located in West Palm Beach, FL
    An impressive Italian 19th century patinated bronze and marble bust of a Roman Centurion signed P. Mormile. The bust is raised by a square Vert. de Patricia ...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century Italian Busts

    Materials

    Marble, Bronze

  • French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated Bronze Bust
    Located in West Palm Beach, FL
    A handsome French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, ormolu and marble bust of David. The bust is raised by an elegant circular marble socle pedestal with a fine mottle...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Busts

    Materials

    Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

  • French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Bust of Menelaus
    Located in West Palm Beach, FL
    A striking French 19th century Louis XVI st. patinated bronze and ormolu bust of Menelaus. The bust is raised by a square ormolu base below a fine mottled socle pedestal. The richly ...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Busts

    Materials

    Bronze, Ormolu

  • French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Bust of Menelaus
    Located in West Palm Beach, FL
    A striking French 19th century Louis XVI style patinated bronze and ormolu bust of Menelaus. The bust is raised by a square ormolu base below a fine mottled socle pedestal. The richl...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Busts

    Materials

    Bronze, Ormolu

Recently Viewed

View All